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The Honda Ridgeline hasn't changed very much since it debuted in 2006, but it continues to be a viable option for those looking for a light-duty truck.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR BOB GRITZINGER: Has the world caught up to Honda’s vision of a pickup, or was Honda so far ahead it didn’t feel a need to do much of anything until other truckmakers changed their ways?

It’s safe to say, Honda has done little other than some styling tweaks -- and minor at that -- to update its workhorse pickup. There’s the same 3.5-liter V6 under the hood -- up 3 hp since our long-term test Ridgeline joined the fleet back in 2006, but torque remains exactly the same. Price is up (from $30,600 back then) but I suspect there’s more equipment on this model, from the navigation system to heated seats. The truck also looks a lot more stylish than the monobody ugly cladder of old.

Bottom line: Honda’s truck is getting long in the tooth, while the rest of the truck world is catching up. Ford offers a turbo V6 with the power of a V8 in the F-150, GM will be coming with a similarly powerful V6 option in 2013 in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, and other truck makers also see the value of offering better fuel economy for those who opt for the functionality of a truck. At the same time, those mainstream trucks aren’t limited by independent suspensions and unibodies, so they can carry heavier loads and pull bigger trailers, all while producing fuel economy competitive to Honda’s V6.

All that said, the 2012 Honda Ridgeline RTL remains a winner for its road manners and easy driveability, along with a large dose of super functionality in features that remain class exclusive, such as the weather-tight lockable “trunk” below the truck bed floor. Still a great feature, made possible by IRS and unibody construction.

If your truck needs run to function and lighter loads, the Ridgeline is a good choice. But it’s no longer a value on price, fuel economy or features.

NEWS EDITOR GREG MIGLIORE: It’s been awhile since I’ve driven a Ridgeline, and frankly this truck is a little off-the-radar. I was actually surprised how much I enjoyed my two-night stint. It’s a comfortable and reasonably functional truck. Again, the power (250 hp) is a bit passé these days, but it does offer a nice blend of practical usability with a softer ride.

The occupants are still elevated a little bit, and there is confidence behind the wheel. Still, the chassis and steering are far easier and softer than a full-size beast, and this is a respectable commuter truck.

The cabin has decent materials, supportive seats and a solid view of the road. The electronics -- especially the heat and clock -- look very dated. And the layout is a little odd; I’ve never seen a sunroof switch on the left side of the steering wheel. It’s a properly executed instrument panel, though a little plain. That being said, I like looking out over the road with a lot of space around me. The Ridgeline isn’t a Ram Power Wagon, but it does offer self-assurance on the road. At the same time, the Ridgeline almost feels like a crossover with a bed, which, perhaps, you could argue it is.

Though it seems a little past its prime, the bones are still here. The styling in particular looks blocky and boring. A fresh update with some powertrain enhancements and cabin upgrades could make this thing surprisingly competitive. Right now, it’s just an average execution.